Breakthrough Treatment for ACL Injuries

Martha Murray, MD explains how a new development in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury treatment can help athletes recover faster and with better results than traditional methods. The new method, bio-enhanced ACL repair, helps the body mimic the healing process that occurs when someone injures their medial collateral ligament (MCL).

By supplying collagen and other proteins in a sponge-like substrate inserted in the knee after an ACL injury, the body is able to create a blood-clot similar to that which occurs after tearing an MCL. This blood-clot, which is normally absent during recovery from an ACL tear, plays a crucial role in repair of the ligament. This treatment may result in better recoveries from ACL injuries and less substantial muscle loss in the upper thighs.

This research was made possible in part by The Football Players Health Study at Harvard University.